On the eastern shore of the Hood Canal fjord in Washington State, a couple set out to expand their 1940s home into the ultimate family getaway for their visiting family and friends.

With the original residence built on an already delicate shoreline, Seattle-based firm Wittman Estes aimed to preserve the ecological footprint. Local materials, like fir and cedar, accentuate the surrounding landscape and blend in with neighboring homes; around the exterior, native and fjord-friendly plant species further blend the built and natural environments.

From the original two-bedroom layout, two wings extend outward from both the ground floor and the upper level, set on pin piles and steel columns—doubling the square footage without further disturbing the site.

The separate wings balance privacy and social spaces, adding two spacious decks for a better connection with the outdoors, guest rooms, a bunk room and children’s play area, and an outdoor kitchen for entertaining guests.

More by Wittman Estes:

Before & After: A Drab Midcentury Outside Seattle Gets Infused With California Surfer Vibes

One Family’s Cabin Retreat in Washington Takes Inspiration From a Native Bird

A Blissful Retreat Replaces a Scrap-Filled Yard in Seattle

Project Credits:

Architect: Wittman Estes / @wittman_estes

Builder: Jack Colegrove Construction

Structural Engineer: J Welch Engineering LLC

Landscape Design: Wittman Estes